A shortage of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) patches used to treat menopausal symptoms is causing difficulties for thousands of women in the UK, medical experts have said.

Around a million women in the country use HRT to relieve the symptoms of the menopause.

In a joint statement, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the British Menopause Society (BMS) and the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) said they were receiving multiple queries from women unable to get HRT products due to ongoing manufacturing and supply issues.

HRT is essential for many women to ensure that they are able to continue to lead a high quality life
Professor Lesley Regan

Doctors are also reporting that HRT is becoming difficult to prescribe due to the shortages.

“We are very concerned that thousands of women are struggling to get their HRT prescriptions, or even prescriptions for alternative treatments,” said Professor Lesley Regan, president of the RCOG.

“HRT is essential for many women to ensure that they are able to continue to lead a high quality life.”

Some women have reported on social media that they are bulk-buying supplies bought over the counter in Spain, while others are having them sent from as far away as South America.

Stocks of Evorel HRT patches, which are made by Belgian firm Janssen and have a UK market share of 40%, have particularly been hit by the shortages.

Janssen UK said: “We really do understand how difficult the UK HRT shortages are for patients and their health care professionals.

“We’ve provided the BMS with an updated supply list based on current demand.”